5 Tips for Finding the Right Back-to-School Shoes for Your Child

Children spend upwards of six hours at school each day. Sometimes, this number is higher if they attend extended day programs or participate in extracurricular activities. With so much of their time spent in their school shoes, it’s important to find proper footwear that will keep them supported and comfortable throughout the day. Improperly fitting shoes can cause a variety of foot and ankle conditions in children, including blisters, ingrown toenails, flat feet and other alignment issues. Here are some tips for finding the right back-to-school shoes for your child:

Don’t Opt for Hand-Me-Downs

Although it’s tempting to pass down your older child’s shoes to your younger child, especially since back-to-school shopping can become expensive rather quickly, you should avoid hand-me-down footwear. Shoes that are worn out lose their supportive capabilities. Additionally, every child’s foot has a different anatomy. Shoes that have been worn by someone else will eventually mold to the contours of their foot, meaning that another person’s foot won’t fit properly or comfortably. This can have adverse effects on your child’s foot health. Avoid hand-me-down shoes, and always opt for a new pair of back-to-school shoes for your child.

Prioritize Proper Fit

It’s common for parents to believe that their child’s new shoes will break in and feel more comfortable after a couple of days. However, properly fitting shoes don’t need to be broken in. It’s important to prioritize shoes with the proper fit. If they’re painful, uncomfortable or too tight, then they’re not the right fit. 

On the other hand, some parents are tempted to buy shoes that are slightly bigger to “leave room to grow.” Avoiding shoes that are too big is equally as important as avoiding shoes that are too tight. If there’s a lot of space in the shoes for your child’s feet to shift, then they’re too big and can lead to long-term foot problems. There should be approximately one to one and a half centimeters (or a thumb’s width) between your child’s longest toe and the front of the shoe.

Ensure They’re Supportive

Even if you find shoes that have the correct fit, this doesn’t automatically mean they’re supportive. When shopping for back-to-school shoes for your child, look for a supportive style with a cushioned insole and arch support. For children, lightweight, flexible options are beneficial. Your child should be able to move and bend their feet naturally without restriction. Avoid shoes that are stiff, heavy or offer little arch support or cushioning. It’s also important to ensure the shoes have enough room for their toes to sit comfortably without being squeezed, so avoid shoes that are too narrow. Supportive shoes help improve mobility, maintain proper body mechanics and reduce injuries.

Choose Activity-Appropriate Shoes

Beyond walking across campus to different classes, take your child’s after-school activities into account when shopping for school shoes. If they’re in athletic programs, choose footwear that supports the demands of their sport. Choose sport-specific or hybrid athletic sneakers. Not only do activity-appropriate shoes enhance their performance, but they also help protect your child from sustaining injuries.  

Opt for Durable, Breathable Materials

Children wear their school shoes for long periods. From the classroom to the P.E. field, your child’s shoes should be made from materials that are durable enough to withstand heavy wear and tear. The materials should also be lightweight and breathable, as this can help reduce the risk of fungal infections and manage odors from sweat. Some materials also offer water resistance in addition to durability and breathability.

Ensuring your child has the proper shoes to wear to school is vital to helping them maintain healthy feet. While some parents wait until their child experiences a foot or ankle problem to take them to a specialist, preventative care is more effective. The North Texas podiatrists at North Texas Foot & Ankle specialize in all foot and ankle conditions, as well as provide preventative care to patients of all ages. Our office has a warm atmosphere with a friendly team ready to welcome your family. Call us at (214) 574-9255 or visit our website to schedule an appointment!